2009 Peugeot 308 1.6L Diesel · GL09 THK

This 2009 Peugeot 308 presents an MOT history that is largely clean on the surface but contains a notable cluster of failures in mid-2023 that a prospective buyer should examine carefully. The most recent test on 7 September 2024 resulted in a clean pass with no advisories or defects recorded, following two consecutive passes in August 2023 after an initial failure on the same date and an earlier failure on 15 July 2023. The earlier pass on 12 April 2022 was also returned with no defects noted. Although the official DVSA record does not detail the specific reasons for the two 2023 failures, the fact that the vehicle failed on 15 July 2023, was retested on 5 August 2023 and failed again on the same day before finally passing later that afternoon suggests a defect of sufficient severity to require rectification before retest. Any prospective buyer should obtain and scrutinise the full failure documentation from the previous keeper or through the DVSA database to establish exactly what component or system was responsible, as unresolved or recurring issues of that nature can resurface later in the vehicle's life. The mileage context provided is insufficient to draw firm conclusions about annual accumulation, as the recorded odometer readings were not supplied with the test history. A 2009 vehicle now approaching seventeen years of age would typically display a mileage somewhere between 80,000 and 150,000 miles depending on prior usage, and the absence of any recorded advisory notes across all five tests is unusual in itself, as even well-maintained cars of this vintage usually accumulate minor wear items such as corroded brake pipes, ageing suspension components, or exhaust degradation over multiple test cycles. The pattern of clean MOT entries combined with two unexplained failures in 2023 warrants a closer look at the consistency of the mileage readings to ensure the vehicle has not been clocked or subjected to a period of disuse followed by erratic use. Any gaps between tests of more than fifteen months should be investigated, as prolonged standing can accelerate deterioration of underbody components, brake hydraulic systems, and the catalytic converter even when no defects are ultimately recorded. Because the DVSA record does not specify which components triggered the 2023 failures, a physical inspection becomes all the more important. On a test drive, pay close attention to the steering response, listening for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces as the Peugeot 308 is known to suffer from worn front wishbone bushes and anti-roll bar drop links at this age. Check that the brake pedal feels firm and that the vehicle pulls up in a straight line without any pulling to one side, which could indicate a binding caliper or unevenly worn brake pads. Inspect the underside for any signs of corrosion on the subframe, suspension arms, and brake pipes, as surface rust can quickly develop into structural concern on a vehicle of this vintage, particularly around the rear axle mounting points. Verify that the clutch operates smoothly without slipping under hard acceleration and that the manual gear selection is precise, as the 308 was occasionally reported to develop selector linkage wear. Finally, given the unexplained 2023 failures, request any repair invoices or rectification documentation from the seller and confirm that the work was carried out by a reputable garage using OEM-quality components. A pre-purchase inspection by an independent Peugeot specialist or an AA/RAC technician is strongly advisable, with particular focus on a compression test to assess internal engine condition, a diagnostic scan for any stored fault codes in the engine and ABS control units, and a thorough check for oil leaks from the sump, cam chain area, and valve cover gasket. Confirm that all warning lamps extinguish promptly on ignition and that the air conditioning and electric window mechanisms function correctly, as electrical gremlins are not uncommon on this model. With the clean 2024 pass suggesting that the earlier issues were addressed, the vehicle could represent a sound purchase provided these targeted checks return satisfactory results.